Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Name: Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 4 black tea bags (or 4 tsp loose leaf); 1 large orange (zested and juiced); 2 cinnamon sticks; 2 star anises (optional); Honey or sugar (to taste); Ice cubes; Fresh orange slices (for garnish)

Published: February 22, 2026

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea can be made in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings.
Refreshing Flavor: The zesty orange and aromatic cinnamon create a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over ice for a cold treat or enjoy it warm during cooler months—perfect for any occasion.
Natural Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness by adding honey or sugar, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
Garnish Appeal: Fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks add an inviting touch to your presentation, making it look as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure that your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Saucepan
Measuring cups
Strainer
Glasses

Importance of Each Tool

Saucepan: Ideal for boiling water and steeping tea; ensures even heating.
Measuring cups: Helps in accurately measuring water and other ingredients for consistent results.
Strainer: Necessary for removing tea bags and solids, ensuring a smooth drink.
Glasses: Perfect for serving your iced tea with style.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 4 cups Water
– 4 Black tea bags or 4 tsp loose leaf
– 1 Orange (large)
– 2 Cinnamon sticks
– 2 Star anises (optional)
– Honey or sugar (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Orange slices (for garnish)

For the Base

Water: 4 cups
Black tea bags: 4 or loose leaf: 4 tsp

For Flavoring

Orange: 1 (large)
Cinnamon sticks: 2
Star anises: 2 (optional)

For Sweetening

Honey or sugar: optional

For Serving

Ice cubes
Orange slices: for garnish

How to Make Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Step 1: Boil the Water

Begin by boiling the water in a saucepan. While you wait, zest the large orange until you have about one teaspoon of zest. This zest will infuse your tea with vibrant citrus notes.

Step 2: Steep the Tea

Once the water is boiling, remove it from heat. Add the black tea bags, cinnamon sticks, and orange zest (and star anises if using). Cover the saucepan and let everything steep for about 5 to 8 minutes.

Step 3: Juice the Orange

While the tea is steeping, juice your orange. After steeping time is complete, carefully remove the tea bags and strain out any solids. Stir in the freshly juiced orange along with honey or sugar if desired.

Step 4: Chill Your Tea

Allow the tea mixture to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it until completely chilled. This step is crucial for serving over ice!

Step 5: Serve Over Ice

Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with fresh orange slices and optional cinnamon sticks or star anise for added flair. Enjoy this refreshing drink!

How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is a refreshing drink that pairs well with various snacks and meals. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your tea experience.

Refreshing Pairings

Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the citrus notes in the tea.
Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese balance the spiciness of cinnamon.
Chocolate Desserts: Rich chocolate brownies or mousse enhance the sweet flavors of the iced tea.

Ideal Occasions

Summer Picnics: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, this tea keeps everyone refreshed.
Brunch Events: Serve alongside pastries and muffins for a delightful morning treat.
Holiday Gatherings: The warming spices make it great for festive occasions.

Garnish Suggestions

Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and freshness.
Cinnamon Sticks: Use cinnamon sticks as stirrers for an extra hint of spice.

How to Perfect Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

To ensure your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is always delicious, follow these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh oranges and high-quality tea for the best flavor.
Steep Time Matters: Adjust steeping time according to your taste preference; longer steeping intensifies the flavor.
Chill Properly: Allow enough time in the fridge to develop a crisp, refreshing taste.
Experiment with Sweetness: Adjust honey or sugar based on your preference for sweetness; start small and add more if needed.
Add Spice Variations: Try adding cloves or nutmeg for a unique twist on classic flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea can enhance your overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Cucumber Sandwiches: Light and refreshing, they offer a cool contrast to the warm spices in the tea.
Scones with Jam: Perfectly crumbly scones served with fruit preserves complement the flavors beautifully.
Savory Muffins: Cheddar or herb muffins provide a savory balance to the sweet iced tea.
Nuts and Dried Fruits: A mix of almonds and dried apricots is both healthy and satisfying alongside your drink.
Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches filled with vegetables or cheese make excellent finger food options.
Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetable spring rolls bring a crunch that pairs nicely with the smooth texture of iced tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and presentation. Here are a few to watch out for:

Incorrect steeping time: Steeping the tea too long can make it bitter. Aim for 5 to 8 minutes for the best flavor.
Using unripe oranges: Unripe fruit can lead to a lack of sweetness. Choose ripe, juicy oranges for the best results.
Skipping the zest: Not adding orange zest removes an essential layer of flavor. Always include it for a more aromatic drink.
Not cooling properly: Serving warm tea over ice can dilute the drink. Let it chill completely in the refrigerator before serving.
Over-sweetening: Adding too much sugar or honey can mask the natural flavors. Start with a little and adjust to your taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea in an airtight container.
It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Pour tea into ice cube trays for freezing.
Frozen cubes can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Oven: Preheat your oven to a low temperature and place the tea in an oven-safe container until warmed.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until warm enough for your liking.
Stovetop: Gently heat on low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea?

Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is a refreshing beverage that combines black tea, fresh orange juice, and cinnamon for a unique flavor.

How do you make Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea?

To make Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea, brew black tea with orange zest and cinnamon sticks, then mix in fresh orange juice and chill.

Can I customize my Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea?

Absolutely! You can adjust sweetness levels or add other spices like cloves or cardamom for personal flair.

Is Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea suitable for kids?

Yes! This iced tea is kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by all ages without any caffeine concerns.

How long does homemade Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea last?

Homemade Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 5 days when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

This easy-to-make Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is perfect for hot days and summer gatherings. Its bright citrus notes combined with warm spices create a refreshing drink that’s sure to impress. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or spices to suit your taste!

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